"Consider the postage stamp, its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there" - American humorist John Billings.
Every year I meet with players and parents who all tell me they want to play college soccer or be a more prominent player in their team, and many times I have to tell them that soccer must become important to you. Soccer cannot be that thing that you do. Soccer cannot be just something you do, if you want to play at a higher level and move up to a starter, varsity, or college.
If your answer is YES. Then you must make time for soccer. First, training is not optional. You can't decide that you are not going because it is too cold, you have too much homework, or your family is going to dinner or a play. You will have to sacrifice things in order to be at training. You may have to get up early or stay up late to finish homework, you are going to have to tell your friends and family that you will have to miss the play or dinner, not because you don't love them, but because soccer is important. When they know it is important, they will understand.
If your answer is YES. You have to take steps to improve. Tens of thousands of kids are training 2-3 times a week and playing games on the weekend. What will separate you? Modify your diet. Make wise choices everyday, not just during tournaments or game day. You need to be on the ball everyday. Days you do not train with your team, you need to put 30-60 minutes in with the ball. Individual skill work, futsal, small sided games, anything and everything to get your foot on the ball. You do not need to pay someone to make you a better athlete (if money is an issue). There are unlimited amounts of resources (including your club coaches) that can help you put together a plan to improve your strength, quickness, stamina. You do not even have to lift a single weight.
If your answer is YES. Nothing will prevent you from playing the game. Cold weather means a gym floor or layers of clothes. Heavy homework means 20 minute juggle breaks or going to bed late. Conflicts means you plan ahead and communicate with your coaches. This shows leadership (a highly desirable trait in a team sport) and allows a coach to plan accordingly.
PARENTS, if your child's answer is YES. You should not only support them, but you should also be a reminder. Just like education is important and you remind your child to do their homework, you remind them to do their soccer homework. Becoming better at anything requires you to do things that you do not like. When we do not like things, we avoid them (procrastinate). See almost any teenager when it comes to homework. If it truly is important than your reminders will be just that - reminders. If it is not important, your reminders will not help. And at least you know how serious they are about the game.
PLAYERS, if your answer is YES. With or without reminders from your parents, you will find a way. The more important it is, the more time and energy you will put into it. The more you are invested, the more that is on the line. Emotions will be strong, keep them in check. But that is for another time.
